Walrus in Love with Trainer

Scientists are baffled as a female walrus is completely in love with trainer Phil Demers.

Smooshi, a 365 kg female walrus at Marineland follows her trainer anywhere, responding to him by sight, smell and voice, rather than just being stimulated by fish.

Smooshi's attraction to Demers is so great that he is able to take her into the park for walks. It's an eye-catcher that draws and amazes large crowds. For most animals, it would take forever to train them to follow so loyally, but Smooshi doesn't leave Demers' side in an uncontrolled environment. He doesn't even need to carry a pouch of fish to lead the way. "She is completely subordinate. I can grab her head and wrestle with her and sit on her back. With any other walrus, you'd be in big trouble." The 5-year-old walrus fell in love when she became frightened by a blood work procedure. As Demers led her away and comforted her, she was smitten from then on. Scientists theorize that her behaviour is that of "imprinting", which is the bond established between mother and baby animals. "I think this is evidence that animals are capable of love in some sense and that the relationship between them and humans is beautiful in that way," says Noonan.